Multi-operational landscape lighting device

ABSTRACT

A multi-operational landscape lighting device is provided. An example multi-operational landscape lighting device includes a lighting device housing, a lighting device installation arm mechanically coupled to the lighting device housing, and a plurality of landscape lighting LED packages. The landscape lighting LED packages are configured to emit one or more of decorative lighting or pathway lighting.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.16/863,931, titled “MULTI-OPERATIONAL LANDSCAPE LIGHTING DEVICE,” filedApr. 30, 2020, the contents of which are incorporated herein byreference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

Light emitting devices may comprise light emitting diodes. Lightemitting diodes (also referred to herein as LEDs) are semiconductordevices that emit light when an electric current is passed through them.The light is produced when particles that carry the electric current(i.e., electrons and holes) combine together with the semiconductormaterial of the semiconductor devices. LEDs are described as solid-statedevices, which distinguishes them from other lighting technologies thatuse heated filaments or gas discharge as lighting sources (e.g.,incandescent, tungsten halogen lamps; fluorescent lamps).

LEDs are widely used in lighting applications for residential andcommercial structures. LEDs utilizing solar power are likewise widelyused in lighting applications for residential and commercial structures.One such application is solar landscape lighting.

However, conventional solar landscape lights provide either a downlighteffect for pathway lighting or an accent effect for decorative lighting.Deficiencies regarding but not limited to suitable materials, powersupply, and control methods have imposed this limitation thatconventional solar landscape lights can only provide either pathwaylighting or decorative lighting, but not both. There is therefore a needfor a solar landscape lighting device providing both pathway lightingand decorative lighting.

Through applied effort, ingenuity, and innovation many deficiencies ofsuch systems have been solved by developing solutions that are inaccordance with the embodiments of the present invention, many examplesof which are described in detail herein.

SUMMARY

Providing a landscape lighting device having both a downlight effect andan accent effect is advantageous. Various embodiments are directed to anLED landscape lighting device. In embodiments, the landscape lightdevice comprises a lighting device housing, the lighting device housingcomprises a lighting device housing exterior, a lighting device bottomface, a lighting device top face, and a lighting device housinginterior, wherein the lighting device housing interior comprises a voidconfigured to house a plurality of landscape lighting LEDs therein. Inembodiments, the landscape lighting device comprises a lighting deviceinstallation arm mechanically coupled to the lighting device housing. Inembodiments of the landscape lighting device, a plurality of landscapelighting LED packages are disposed within the lighting device interiorand are configured to emit one or more of pathway lighting or decorativelighting.

In embodiments, the lighting device installation arm further comprisesmeans for making the device free standing, mounting to a wall, or forground stake installation.

In embodiments, the lighting device housing comprises one or more ofglass, acrylic, polycarbonate, an optically transparent material, orother material conducive to the transmission of light and solar energy.

In embodiments, the landscape lighting device is selectively operable inone of a plurality of landscape lighting device operation modes.

In embodiments, a landscape lighting device operation mode is one ormore of pathway lighting or decorative lighting.

In embodiments, the lighting device housing comprises a lighting devicehousing frame and lighting device housing panes.

In embodiments, the lighting device bottom face defines a voidconfigured to house a rechargeable battery therein.

The landscape lighting device of certain embodiments further comprises arechargeable battery.

In embodiments, a first plurality of landscape lighting LED packages ofthe plurality of landscape lighting LED packages comprise landscapepathway lighting LEDs and a second plurality of landscape lighting LEDpackages of the plurality of landscape lighting LED packages compriselandscape decorative lighting LEDs.

In embodiments, a first plurality of landscape lighting LED packages ofthe plurality of landscape lighting LED packages are configured to emitpathway lighting and a second plurality of landscape lighting LEDpackages of the plurality of landscape lighting LED packages areconfigured to emit decorative lighting.

The rechargeable battery of certain embodiments is configured toreceive, store and utilize solar power.

In embodiments, the landscape lighting device further comprises acircuit board comprising a first circuit board side and a second circuitboard side. In embodiments, the plurality of landscape lighting LEDs isdisposed on and/or are electrically and mechanically coupled with thefirst circuit board side. In embodiments, a plurality of leads/tracesare disposed on and/or electrically and mechanically coupled with one ormore of the first circuit board side or the second circuit board sideand electrically coupled with the plurality of landscape lighting LEDs.In embodiments, driver circuitry is disposed on and/or electrically andmechanically coupled with one or more of the first circuit board side orthe second circuit board side. The driver circuitry of embodiments iselectrically coupled with the plurality of leads/traces of the circuitboard.

In embodiments, the driver circuitry is configured to be driven by solarpower.

The landscape lighting device of certain embodiments is furtherconfigured for collecting and storing solar power.

In embodiments, collecting and storing solar power occurs within thelighting device housing.

The landscape lighting device of certain embodiments is furtherconfigured for collecting and storing solar power at the lighting devicebottom face.

In embodiments, the landscape light device comprises a lighting devicehousing. The lighting device housing of certain embodiments comprises alighting device housing exterior, a lighting device bottom face, alighting device top face, the lighting device top face comprising one ormore solar panels, and a lighting device housing interior. The lightingdevice housing interior of certain embodiments comprises a voidconfigured to house a first plurality of landscape lighting LED packagesand a second plurality of landscape lighting LED packages therein. Inembodiments, the landscape lighting device comprises a lighting deviceinstallation arm mechanically coupled to the lighting device housing. Inembodiments of the landscape lighting device, a first plurality oflandscape lighting LED packages and a second plurality of landscapelighting LED packages are disposed within the lighting device interiorand are configured to emit light.

The landscape lighting device of certain embodiments is selectivelyoperable in one of a plurality of landscape lighting device operatingmodes.

The lighting device bottom face of certain embodiments defines a voidconfigured to house a rechargeable battery therein.

The landscape lighting device of certain embodiments further comprises arechargeable battery.

The rechargeable battery of certain embodiments is configured toreceive, store and utilize solar power.

The lighting device housing interior of certain embodiments is furtherconfigured for collecting and storing solar power.

In embodiments, the first plurality of landscape lighting LED packagescomprise landscape pathway lighting LEDs and the second plurality oflandscape lighting LED packages comprise landscape decorative lightingLEDs.

This Summary does not attempt to completely signify any particularinnovation, embodiment, or example as it can be used in commerce.Additionally, this Summary is not intended to signify essential elementsof an innovation, embodiment or example or to limit the scope of thesubject matter of this disclosure.

The innovations, embodiments, and/or examples found within thisdisclosure are not all-inclusive, but rather describe the basicsignificance of the subject matter. Accordingly, one use of this Summaryis as a prelude to a Detailed Description presented later.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following Detailed Description, Figures, and appended Claims signifythe nature and advantages of the innovations, embodiments and/orexamples of the claimed inventions. All the Figures signify innovations,embodiments, and/or examples of the claimed inventions for purposes ofillustration only and do not limit the scope of the claimed inventions.Such Figures are not necessarily drawn to scale and are part of theDisclosure.

In the Figures, similar components or features may have the same, orsimilar, reference signs in the form of labels (such as alphanumericsymbols, e.g., reference numerals), and may signify similar orequivalent functionality. Further, various components of the same typemay be distinguished by a second or third label that distinguishes amongthe similar components (e.g., 1A and 1B may refer to components of thesame type). If only the first reference label is used in thespecification, the description is applicable to any one of the similarcomponents having the same first reference label irrespective of thesecond reference label. A brief description of the Figures is below.

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of an exemplary landscape lighting deviceaccording to various embodiments;

FIG. 2A is an exploded view of an exemplary landscape lighting deviceaccording to various embodiments;

FIG. 2B is an exploded view of an exemplary landscape lighting deviceaccording to various embodiments;

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of an exemplary landscape lighting deviceaccording to various embodiments; and

FIG. 3B is an exploded view of an exemplary landscape lighting deviceaccording to various embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure more fully describes various embodiments withreference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood thatsome, but not all embodiments are shown and described herein. Indeed,the embodiments may take many different forms, and accordingly thisdisclosure should not be construed as limited to the embodiments setforth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that thisdisclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like numbersrefer to like elements throughout.

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a landscape lightingdevice configured for dynamic functionality. That is, a landscapelighting device according to embodiments of the present disclosure isconfigured to provide both pathway lighting and decorative lighting. Anexample landscape lighting device according to embodiments of thepresent disclosure may be selectively operable to provide either pathwaylighting or decorative lighting at any one time, in any particularoperation session. An example landscape lighting device according toembodiments of the present disclosure may be configured for userselection of a plurality of dynamic LED functionalities.

Landscape lighting devices according to embodiments of the presentdisclosure employ a novel solar panel configuration. Embodiments of alandscape lighting device as described herein are therefore enabled tocollect, store and utilize solar power to achieve both pathway lightingand decorative lighting.

Conventional solar landscape lights lack suitable configuration of thesolar panel(s) to achieve the user functionality choices including bothpathway lighting and decorative lighting as well as dynamic LEDfunctionality. Conventional solar landscape lights configure solarpanels at the top of the light fixtures. Consequently, conventionalsolar landscape lights would further require the use of a rechargeablebattery, an accompanying compartment to house the rechargeable battery,and a control method to achieve both pathway lighting and decorativelighting. Such a configuration is not feasible in conventional designs,because a rechargeable battery would need to be housed at the top of thelight fixture, thereby inhibiting light emission. Conventional solarlandscape lights therefore suffer deficiencies regarding power supply,power consumption, and methods to control the same.

Landscape lighting devices according embodiments of the presentdisclosure overcome these deficiencies of conventional solar landscapelights by employing a novel configuration of a solar panel. In variousembodiments of landscape lighting devices herein, a landscape lightingdevice may be configured such that solar energy is collected at thelighting device housing bottom face, within the lighting device housinginterior. Landscape lighting devices of various embodiments maytherefore employ a rechargeable battery(s) in electrical communicationwith the solar panels, enabling the configuration of a switch forselecting both pathway lighting and decorative lighting. The lightingdevice housing of various embodiments comprises material conducive forthe collection and storage of solar power within the lighting devicehousing interior. For example, landscape lighting devices according toembodiments of the present disclosure may employ clear glass to allowsunlight into and through the lighting device housing interior to thebottom of the fixture. Absent the novel configuration of the solarpanels as described herein, the use of a rechargeable battery is notpossible. Hence, sufficient power to provide both pathway lighting anddecorative lighting would not be possible.

Alternate embodiments of landscape lighting devices described herein maynonetheless be configured to collect and store solar power at thelighting device housing top face, while providing user functionalitychoices including either or both pathway lighting and decorativelighting as well as dynamic LED functionality. Landscape lightingdevices according to alternate embodiments described herein thus employsolar panels both at the top of the lighting fixture and within itsinterior, as described above. Landscape lighting devices according tothese alternate embodiments therefore overcome the deficiencies ofconventional solar landscape lights that require that the solar panel(s)remain at the top of the fixture.

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of an exemplary landscape lighting device 100according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. In anexemplary embodiment, a landscape lighting device 100 comprises alighting device housing having a lighting device housing exterior, alighting device housing interior (not shown), a lighting device housingbottom face 108, and a lighting device housing top face 110. Thelighting device housing may comprise a single component, or as shown inFIG. 1, the lighting device housing may comprise a lighting devicehousing frame 102A′ and lighting device housing panes 102A″. Thelighting device housing frame 102A′ may define a substantially prismaticbody profile, having two sets of opposing and conjoined lateral faces asshown. The lighting device housing frame 102A′ may be formed such thateach lateral face defines an ornate recess configured for housing thelighting device housing panes 102A″ therein. The lighting device housingframe 102A′ may comprise any suitable material (e.g., metal, plastic,wood, etc.). The lighting device housing panes 102A″ may beinterchangeable. For example, the lighting device housing panes 102A″may comprise one or more of glass, acrylic, polycarbonate, an opticallytransparent material, or other material conducive to the transmission oflight and solar energy.

Alternatively, the lighting device housing panes 102A″ may comprise asuitably translucent material such as frosted glass. As shown, thelighting device housing frame 102A′ and lighting device housing panes102A″ may in combination define a profile that is substantially theouter surface a right square prism, being oriented along a longitudinalaxis taken through the center of its square cross-section. The lightingdevice housing interior may thus define the void enclosed by the sixfaces of the right square prism. Alternatively, the lighting devicehousing may define a profile of any regular or irregular geometric shapesuitable to configure an interior and exterior therefrom (e.g.,cylinder, sphere, pentagon, etc.). The lighting device housing interiorof embodiments is configured to house a plurality of landscape lightingLEDs 104A, 104B therein.

A lighting device bottom face may comprise a first bottom face portion108A, which is substantially square shaped and defines a square shapedcentral recess configured to receive a planar portion therein. The firstbottom face portion 108A may define a recessed ledge about its perimeterso as to be mechanically coupled to the lighting device housing 102.That is, the lighting device housing may sit atop the first bottom faceportion 108A so as to engage the recessed ledge of the first bottom faceportion 108A.

A lighting device bottom face may comprise a second bottom face portion108B that is substantially square in cross section and has a raisedplanar portion on a dorsal surface. The raised planar portion may beconfigured to receive a solar panel 302A and to couple to the squareshaped central recess of the first bottom face portion 108A. A ventralsurface of the second bottom face portion 108B may define a squareshaped recess configured to house a rechargeable battery therein. Bythus configuring the square shaped recess of the second bottom faceportion 108B as a rechargeable battery compartment, a lighting devicemode switch 108C may be configured within the lighting device bottomface. The second bottom face portion 108B may comprise voids (e.g.,bores) configured to receive four fastening means 108F (e.g., screwcaps) at each of the four corners of a ventral surface.

A lighting device mode switch 108C may be substantially square in crosssection and have a toggle switch extending radially from the center of aventral surface. A toggle switch cover 108D may be configured in asuitable shape to encase the toggle switch of the lighting device modeswitch 108C, and to enhance the user interface of the toggle switch. Thelighting device mode switch 108C may be configured to couple with thesecond bottom face portion 108B. The lighting device mode switch 108Cmay be configured in electrical communication with the landscapelighting LEDs 104A, 104B, so as to initiate and change the operatingmode of a landscape lighting device 100 according to embodiments of thepresent disclosure. Hence, by manipulation of the toggle switch of thelighting device mode switch 108C, a user may turn on/off a landscapelighting device 100, and initiate one or more of pathway lighting,decorative lighting or dynamic LED functionality. For example, a usermay toggle the toggle switch of the landscape lighting device a firsttime in a first manner to turn on a landscape lighting device 100 froman off mode. A user may then toggle the toggle switch again in the firstmanner to initiate a first landscape lighting device operation mode. Forexample, a first landscape lighting device operation mode may be pathwaylighting. A second landscape lighting device operation mode (e.g.,decorative lighting or dynamic LED functionality) may be initiated bysubsequent toggles of the toggle switch in the first manner. When alandscape lighting device is operated in a dynamic LED functionalitymode, a user may toggle the toggle switch in a second manner to selectbetween dynamic LED functionalities. For example, a first toggle of thetoggle switch in a second manner may initiate a multi-color lightingeffect. A second toggle of the toggle switch in a second predeterminedmanner may then initiate a solid white lighting effect. Subsequenttoggling of the toggle switch in the second manner may thus cyclethrough dynamic LED functionalities. A final toggle of the toggle switchin the first manner may then return the landscape lighting device 100 toan off mode.

A lighting device bottom face may comprise a third bottom face portion108E. The third bottom face portion 108E may be substantially square incross section and have a toggle switch receptor that is a substantiallyrectangular void configured to receive the toggle switch of the lightingdevice mode switch 108C and the accompanying toggle switch cover 108D atthe center of a ventral face. The third bottom face portion 108E maydefine four circular voids arranged in an equilateral perimeter aboutthe toggle switch receptor that are configured to receive four landscapepathway lighting LEDs 104A. The third bottom face portion 108E maydefine four voids at its periphery that are configured to receivefastening means 108F so as to couple the third bottom face portion 108Eto the second bottom face portion 108B. Thus configured, the secondbottom face portion 108B and third bottom face portion 108E maysimultaneously encase the lighting device mode switch 108C, the toggleswitch cover 108D, and landscape pathway lighting LEDs 104A and couple,via fastening means 108F, to the landscape decorative lighting LEDs104B.

A lighting device housing top face may comprise a first top facecomponent 110A and a second top face component 110B that aremechanically coupled to one another. The first top face component 110Amay be substantially square in cross section with recessed ledgesconfigured to engage the second top face component contouring itsperimeter and may define on a ventral surface a central void (e.g., abore) configured to receive fastening means 110C (e.g., a bolt) forcoupling to the second top face component 110B. The fastening means 110Cmay receive an endcap (e.g., a screwcap) 110C′ at a proximate end forsecuring the first top face component 110A to the second top facecomponent 110B. The fastening means 110C may receive, for example, awasher 110C″ and nut 110C′″ at a distal end for securing the first topface component 110A to the second top face component 110B. The first topface component 110A may define on a ventral surface peripheral voidsconfigured to receive the distal ends 104B′ of the landscape decorativelighting LEDs 104B. Washers 110D may be configured to secure the distalends 104B′ of the landscape decorative lighting LEDs 104B to the firsttop face component 110A.

The second top face component 110B may define a substantially pyramidalprofile, having a substantially square cross section. The second topface component 110B may define an inner void configured to houselighting device components therein, and have recesses configured toengage the recessed ledges of the first top face component 110Acontouring an inner surface. The second top face component 110B maydefine a central void configured to receive the fastening means 110C inorder to couple a lighting device installation loop 112A andinstallation loop washer 112B to the second top face component 110B. Thelighting device installation loop 112A may comprise a substantiallyring-shaped body configured to couple to the hook portion of thelighting device installation arm by inserting the hook portion of thelighting device installation arm through the ring of the lighting deviceinstallation loop 112A. A battery 116 may be housed within the innervoid of the second top face component 110B. The battery 116 may be, forexample, a dry cell such as Alkaline, Nickel oxyhydroxide, Zinc chlorideor the like. Alternatively, the battery 116 may be a rechargeablebattery such as NiCd, NiMH, Lead Acid, Li-ion, Li-ion polymer,Aluminum-ion, Magnesium-ion, or the like. The battery 116 may be of anysuitable size, e.g., 4.5V, D, C, AA, AAA, AAAA, 9-volt, etc. The battery116 may comprise, as illustrated in FIG. 1 for example, a cylindricalcell body, and be electrically couplable with a positive terminal 114C,and a negative terminal 114D. The cylindrical cell body of the battery116 may define a longitudinal axis terminating in a first circular planesurface at a posterior end along the longitudinal axis and a secondcircular plane surface at an anterior end along the longitudinal axis.The positive terminal 114C may thus be disposed at or on the circularplane surface of the posterior end, and the negative terminal disposedat or on the circular plane surface of the anterior end. The positiveterminal 114C and negative terminal 114D couplable with the battery 116may be in electrical communication with the first and second pluralityof landscape lighting LED packages to provide electrical power thereto.The battery 116 may be secured within the void of the second top facecomponent 110B by securing means. For example, a rectangular brace 114Amay straddle the battery 116 laterally. The rectangular brace 114A maydefine a void (e.g., a bore) at a first end that is configured toreceive a securing means 114B (e.g., a screw). Thus, configured therectangular brace 114A and securing means 114B may secure battery 116 inplace.

In embodiments, the landscape lighting device 100 comprises a lightingdevice installation arm 106. The lighting device installation arm 106 ofvarious embodiments is mechanically coupled to the lighting devicehousing 102. In various embodiments, the lighting device installationarm 106 is configured for coupling the lighting device installation arm106 to an environment. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the lightingdevice installation arm 106 may be substantially crook shaped and maycomprise constituent installation arm elements. A lighting deviceinstallation arm 106 may comprise a first installation arm portion 106A.The first installation arm portion 106A may be substantially shaped asthe crown of a shepherd's crook and define an inner void at a distal endconfigured to longitudinally receive a fastener 106B (e.g., a threadedbolt) therein.

A lighting device installation arm 106 may comprise a secondinstallation arm portion 106C. The second installation arm portion 106Cmay be cylindrical in profile, defining inner voids at proximal anddistal ends configured to longitudinally receive fasteners 106B therein.Thus, the first installation arm portion 106A may be mechanicallycoupled, via the fasteners 106B, to the second installation arm portion106C.

A lighting device installation arm 106 may comprise a third installationarm portion 106D that is mechanically coupled to the second installationarm portion 106C. The third installation arm portion 106D may comprise acylindrical portion having screw threads configured radially on aportion of its outer surface, and a hook-shaped projection extendingradially from the unthreaded cylindrical portion. The unthreadedcylindrical portion of the third installation arm portion 106D maydefine an inner void such that the third installation arm portion 106Dmay be mechanically coupled, by a fastener 106B and via the inner void,to the second installation arm portion 106C.

A lighting device installation arm may comprise a fourth installationarm portion 106E. The fourth installation arm portion 106E may define aprofile that is substantially arrow shaped, and have a cylindricalportion defining an inner void configured at a cranial end. Thecylindrical portion of the fourth installation arm portion 106E may beconfigured to couple with the threaded outer surface of the cylindricalportion of the third installation arm portion 106D. Thus configured, alighting device installation arm may act as a ground stake to couple alandscape lighting device 100 to an environment. However, the lightingdevice installation arm 106 may be any other suitable installation meansfor coupling a landscape lighting device 100 with an environment,including but not limited to tree mounts, flag pole mounts, wall mountsor the like.

In certain embodiments, the landscape lighting device 100 comprises aplurality of landscape lighting LEDs 104A, 104B disposed within thelighting device housing interior. Landscape pathway lighting LEDs 104Amay be any suitable LED type configured for pathway lighting includingfixed downlights, gimble downlights, can lights, pot lights or the like.Landscape decorative lighting LEDs 104B may be any suitable LED typeconfigured to provide a decorative aesthetic, including pendants, stringlights, fairy lights or the like. For example, as shown in FIG. 1,landscape decorative lighting LEDs 104B may be pendant lights. Thelandscape decorative lighting LEDs 104B may therefore be substantiallyrectangular-prismatic in shape and be configured at proximal and distalends to mechanically couple 104B′ to the lighting device housing bottomface and lighting device housing top face. For example, as shown, thelandscape decorative lighting LEDs 104B may be configured with radiallythreaded proximal and distal ends so as to mechanically couple 104B′ tothe lighting device housing bottom face and lighting device housing topface. Landscape decorative lighting LEDs 104B may be configured inelectrical communication with driver circuitry so as to mimic a varietyof effects (e.g., a single color lighting effect, a multi-color lightingeffect, a solid white lighting effect, a solid single color lightingeffect, a solid multi-color lighting effect, a flame lighting effect, aflashing lighting effect, a twinkling lighting effect, a shimmeringlighting effect, a chasing lighting effect, a sequencing lightingeffect, or a color cycling lighting effect). For example, landscapedecorative lighting LEDs 104B may configure an oscillator having aregular frequency to achieve a twinkling lighting effect. Or, forexample, landscape decorative lighting LEDs 104B may be driven so thatindividual LEDs are turned on and off in a predetermined and repeatingsequence thus creating a sequencing lighting effect. Thus, landscapedecorative lighting LEDs 104B are configured for use in a plurality ofdynamic functionalities.

FIGS. 2A-2B are exploded views of an exemplary landscape lighting device100 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. As shownin FIG. 2A, an exemplary landscape lighting device 100 may furthercomprise a circuit board 202. The circuit board 202 of variousembodiments comprises a first circuit board side 202A and a secondcircuit board side (not shown). The plurality of landscape lighting LEDs104A, 104B of various embodiments are disposed on and/or electricallyand mechanically coupled with the first circuit board side 202A. Theexemplary landscape lighting device 100 of various embodiments comprisesa plurality of leads/traces 204 disposed on and/or electrically andmechanically coupled with one or more of the first circuit board side202A or the second circuit board side (not shown) and electricallycoupled with the plurality of landscape lighting LEDs 104A, 104B. Asshown, the circuit board 202 of various embodiments may be disposedwithin the lighting device housing interior 102B. However, the circuitboard 202 need not necessarily be in the geometric relationship to thelandscape lighting LEDs 104A, 104B that is shown. Rather, the circuitboard 202 may be configured in any feasible manner within the landscapelighting device 100 as is conducive for electrical communication betweenthe circuit board 202 and landscape lighting LEDs 104A, 104B.

The exemplary landscape lighting device 100 of various embodimentscomprises driver circuitry 206 disposed on and/or electrically andmechanically coupled with one or more of the first circuit board side202A or the second circuit board side. The driver circuitry 206 ofvarious embodiments may be electrically coupled with the plurality ofleads/traces 204 of the circuit board 202. The driver circuitry 206 ofan exemplary landscape lighting device 100 may be any suitable drivercircuitry 206, including but not limited to, linear LED drivercircuitry, linear regulator, specialized linear LED controller, switchmode LED driver circuitry and/or the like.

Driver circuitry 206 is configured to enable dynamic functionality(e.g., a single color lighting effect, a multi-color lighting effect, asolid white lighting effect, a solid single color lighting effect, asolid multi-color lighting effect, a flame lighting effect, a flashinglighting effect, a twinkling lighting effect, a shimmering lightingeffect, a chasing lighting effect, a sequencing lighting effect, or acolor cycling lighting effect). An appropriate driver circuitry 206 maybe, for example, a 16-channel LED driver. Such an example drivercircuitry 206 may be configured such that each channel is individuallyadjustable. For example, an example driver circuitry 206 may beconfigured with DOT correction and grayscale PWM control.

As shown in FIG. 2B, an exemplary landscape lighting device 100 mayfurther comprise a solar panel 302A for collecting and storing solarpower. Specifically, an exemplary landscape lighting device 100 isconfigured so that collecting and storing solar power occurs within thelighting device housing interior 102B. Thus, the solar panel(s) 302A ofvarious embodiments may be disposed within the lighting device housinginterior 102B. The solar panel(s) 302A may be configured in any feasiblemanner within the lighting device housing interior 102B as is conducivefor electrical communication between the circuit board 202, solarpanel(s) 302A and landscape lighting LEDs 104A, 104B.

The lighting device housing panes 102A″ of various embodiments compriseglass, acrylic, polycarbonate, an optically transparent material, orother material conducive to the transmission of light and solar energy.This further facilitates collecting and storing of solar power occurringwithin the lighting device housing interior 102B. Collecting and storingof solar power within the lighting device housing interior 102B allowssufficient solar power to be stored for operating in simultaneouslandscape lighting device operation modes.

The lighting device installation arm 106 of certain embodiments maycomprise a single component, as shown in FIGS. 2A-2B. Alternatively, thelighting device installation arm 106 may comprise constituent lightingdevice installation arm components.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of an exemplary landscape lighting device200 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 3Bis an exploded view of an exemplary landscape lighting device 200according to various embodiments. A landscape lighting device 200 may beconfigured such that collecting and storing solar power occurs eitherwithin the lighting device housing interior 102B, or at the second topface component 110B. For example, as shown in FIG. 3A, one or more solarpanels 302A of various embodiments may define one or more exteriorsurfaces of the second top face component 110B. The one or more solarpanels 302A defining one or more exterior surfaces of the second topface component 110B may thus accommodate users who require the solarpanels to remain on the top of the fixture (or when the landscapelighting device comprises frosted or otherwise opaque glass surfacessuch that sunlight may not efficiently reach the bottom of the device).Alternatively, one or more solar panels 302B may be housed within thelighting device housing interior 102B, as shown in FIG. 3B. Inembodiments, the one or more solar panels 302B may be positioned nearthe bottom of the device when the device comprises clear or transparentglass surfaces such that sunlight may efficiently reach the solar panelat the bottom of the device.

It will be appreciated that, in some embodiments, solar panel 302A isconfigured at a top of the device while solar panel 302B is configurednear a bottom of the device as described herein.

The one or more solar panels 302A, 302B may be in electricalcommunication with a rechargeable battery (not shown, however an examplemay be seen in FIG. 1). Such a configuration of the one or more solarpanels 302A, 302B of an exemplary landscape lighting device 200 maytherefore simultaneously provide sufficient power to operate bothpathway lighting and decorative lighting while allowing an end userflexibility in form factor. For example, when storing and collectingsolar power occur at the second top face component 110B, the lightingdevice housing panes 102A″ of a landscape lighting device 200 maycomprise translucent or less than transparent material, such as frostedglass. Thus configured, an exemplary lighting device 200 may provide anLED flame effect. The lighting device housing frame 102A′ of variousembodiments may comprise a suitable material (e.g., metal, plastic,wood, etc.) formed so as to define one or more ornate recessesconfigured for housing the lighting device housing panes 102A″ therein.Alternatively, when storing and collecting solar power occur within thelighting device housing interior 102B, a user may circumvent the need tomaintain the solar panels at the top of the fixture. In this case, thelighting device housing panes 102A″ of a landscape lighting device 200may comprise suitably transparent material such as glass, acrylic,polycarbonate or the like. The use of such optically transparentmaterial is therefore conducive to ensure sufficient solar power isstored and harnessed to enable both pathway lighting and decorativelighting.

The landscape decorative lighting LEDs 104B of various embodiments maycomprise string lights as shown, or any other suitable LED typeconfigured to provide a decorative flame aesthetic, including pendants,fairy lights or the like. Landscape decorative lighting LEDs 104B of alandscape lighting device 200 are configured for dynamic LEDfunctionality. For example, landscape decorative LEDs 104B may beconfigured to enable dynamic selection between a solid white lightingeffect and a flame lighting effect. Thus, when enabled as a flamelighting effect, landscape decorative lighting LEDs 104B may be drivenin a rising and falling pattern thereby imitating a flame aesthetic.Such a flame lighting effect may be employed to provide an appropriateambiance. When enabled to produce a solid white lighting effect,landscape decorative lighting LEDs 104B may glow with a soft white colortemperature. Landscape pathway lighting LEDs 104A may be any suitableLED type configured for pathway lighting including fixed downlights,gimble downlights, can lights, pot lights or the like.

The lighting device installation arm 106 of various embodiments maycomprise a single component, as shown in FIG. 3B, or may compriseconstituent lighting device installation arm components. Further, thelighting device installation arm 106 of various embodiments may comprisemeans for making the device free standing, mounting to a wall, or forground stake installation.

Many modifications and other embodiments will come to mind to oneskilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains having the benefitof the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and theassociated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that thedisclosure is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosedand that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be includedwithin the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms areemployed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense onlyand not for purposes of limitation.

That which is claimed is:
 1. A landscape lighting device, comprising: aplurality of landscape lighting LED packages configured to emit one ormore of pathway lighting or decorative lighting; and a lighting devicemode switch in electrical communication with the plurality of landscapelighting LED packages and actuatable in order to activate a pathwaylighting operation mode of the landscape lighting device, a decorativelighting operation mode of the landscape lighting device, and a pathwayand decorative lighting operation mode of the landscape lighting device.2. The landscape lighting device of claim 1, further comprising one ormore solar panels.
 3. The landscape lighting device of claim 2, furthercomprising a rechargeable battery in electrical communication with theone or more solar panels.
 4. The landscape lighting device of claim 1,wherein a first plurality of landscape lighting LED packages of theplurality of landscape lighting LED packages comprise landscape lightingpathway LEDs.
 5. The landscape lighting device of claim 4, wherein asecond plurality of landscape lighting LED packages of the plurality oflandscape lighting LED packages comprise landscape lighting decorativeLEDs.
 6. The landscape lighting device of claim 5, wherein the firstplurality of landscape lighting LED packages is configured to emitpathway lighting simultaneously with the second plurality of landscapelighting LED packages emitting decorative lighting.
 7. The landscapelighting device of claim 1, further comprising: driver circuitryelectrically coupled with the plurality of landscape lighting LEDpackages.
 8. The landscape lighting device of claim 7, wherein thedriver circuitry is in electrical communication with one or more solarpanels.
 9. The landscape lighting device of claim 8, wherein the drivercircuitry is configured for one or more of collecting solar power,storing solar power, or to be driven by solar power.
 10. The landscapelighting device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of landscape lightingLED packages are configured for one or more of a single color lightingeffect, a multi-color lighting effect, a solid white lighting effect, asolid single color lighting effect, a solid multi-color lighting effect,a flame lighting effect, a flashing lighting effect, a twinklinglighting effect, a shimmering lighting effect, a chasing lightingeffect, a sequencing lighting effect, or a color cycling lightingeffect.
 11. A method of manufacturing a landscape lighting device, themethod comprising: electrically coupling a lighting device mode switchwith a plurality of landscape lighting LED packages, the plurality oflandscape lighting LED packages configured to emit one or more ofpathway lighting or decorative lighting, wherein the lighting devicemode switch is actuatable in order to activate a pathway lightingoperation mode of the landscape lighting device, a decorative lightingoperation mode of the landscape lighting device, and a pathway anddecorative lighting operation mode of the landscape lighting device. 12.The method of claim 11, wherein a first plurality of landscape lightingLED packages of the plurality of landscape lighting LED packages isconfigured to emit pathway lighting and a second plurality of landscapelighting LED packages of the plurality of landscape lighting LEDpackages is configured to emit decorative lighting.
 13. The method ofclaim 12, wherein the first plurality of landscape lighting LED packagesis configured to emit pathway lighting simultaneously with the secondplurality of landscape lighting LED packages emitting decorativelighting.
 14. The method of claim 11, further comprising: electricallycoupling the plurality of landscape lighting LED packages with drivercircuitry configured for one or more of collecting solar power, storingsolar power, or to be driven by solar power.
 15. A landscape lightingdevice, comprising: a lighting device mode switch in electricalcommunication with a plurality of landscape lighting LED packages,wherein the plurality of landscape lighting LED packages are configuredto emit one or more of pathway lighting or decorative lighting, andwherein the lighting device mode switch is actuatable in order toactivate a pathway lighting operation mode of the landscape lightingdevice, a decorative lighting operation mode of the landscape lightingdevice, and a pathway and decorative lighting operation mode of thelandscape lighting device; one or more solar panels; and drivercircuitry in electrical communication with the one or more solar panelsand the plurality of landscape lighting LED packages.
 16. The landscapelighting device of claim 15, further comprising a rechargeable batteryin electrical communication with the one or more solar panels.
 17. Thelandscape lighting device of claim 16, wherein the driver circuitry isconfigured for one or more of collecting solar power, storing solarpower, or to be driven by solar power.
 18. The landscape lighting deviceof claim 15, wherein a first plurality of landscape lighting LEDpackages of the plurality of landscape lighting LED packages isconfigured to emit pathway lighting and a second plurality of landscapelighting LED packages of the plurality of landscape lighting LEDpackages is configured to emit decorative lighting.
 19. The landscapelighting device of claim 18, wherein the first plurality of landscapelighting LED packages is configured to emit pathway lightingsimultaneously with the second plurality of landscape lighting LEDpackages emitting decorative lighting.
 20. The landscape lighting deviceof claim 15, wherein the plurality of landscape lighting LED packagesare configured for one or more of a single color lighting effect, amulti-color lighting effect, a solid white lighting effect, a solidsingle color lighting effect, a solid multi-color lighting effect, aflame lighting effect, a flashing lighting effect, a twinkling lightingeffect, a shimmering lighting effect, a chasing lighting effect, asequencing lighting effect, or a color cycling lighting effect.